Apple and Samsung Love-Hate Relationship Is Ongoing

NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- The ongoing love-hate relationship between Apple ( AAPL) and Samsung likely will continue well into 2014. Apple reportedly signed a new deal to purchase processor chips from Samsung for its next generation of iPhones.

According to Digitimes, sources within the supply chain said Samsung has signed a contract to produce a quantity of small, thin (14/16nm) FET processors to be used by Apple in 2015 smartphone models.

Sources said Samsung will be manufacturing only a portion of what Apple will need for its production lines; Taiwan Semiconductor ( TSM) is believed to be the main supplier for the current 20mn chips used in Apple's 2014 models. The split will reportedly be 60%-70% TSM and 20%-40% Samsung.

Those same sources said they believe it's possible that TSM and Samsung will equally share in the production of Apple's manufacturing order for 2014 phones.

None of the companies mentioned were willing to comment on relationships or deals.

Samsung also has reportedly recently tapped into Apple's store magic to help set the course for its own retail ambitions.

The Information.com reported Samsung has hired Tim Gudgel, Apple's top store design executive, to help create a new standard for a chain of possible Samsung electronics retail emporiums.

A Samsung stand-alone retail chain is reportedly still in the early planning stages -- Samsung currently has a deal in place to create 1,400 Samsung Experience stores within existing Best Buy ( BBY) locations across the country. Apple also has a deal for its own Apple Shops within Best Buy stores and lists more than 150 stand-alone stores nationwide.

Microsoft ( MSFT) is also also investing in building its own retail chain. The company currently lists more than 75 stores nationwide with six in New York, four in New Jersey and two in Connecticut.